A child’s first visit to the dentist is an opportunity to advise parents on preventative care and detect any oral health problems at an early stage. However, there remains uncertainty among parents around what age this first visit should happen. Here is everything you need to know, along with detail on the current situation in the UK and advice on treating children.

“We know from parents we speak to that there is widespread confusion, even in advice given to them by NHS staff, about when a child should first visit the dentist,” says Professor Nigel Hunt, former dean of the FDS at the RCS. He added: “With 9,220 cases of tooth extraction performed in hospitals last year for children aged between one and four (2015/16), we cannot continue in this state of confusion.”

Many of these cases can be attributed to tooth decay, which the FDS points out is 90% preventable. Tooth decay is the most common reason for children aged five to nine to be admitted to hospital in the UK and is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases among children worldwide. According to the American Association of Paediatric Dentists (AAPD), tooth decay affects nearly 1 in 5 children under the age of 5 in the US.

5 Tips for Treating Child Patients

The following ideas can help make a child’s first dental appointment less traumatic for them and less stressful for the dentist.

Make a good impression

Meeting a dentist for the first time can be a scary event for lots of children, so it is important to make a good first impression. Consider meeting the child for a moment in the waiting room first rather than seconds before a procedure. Introduce yourself with a smile and by telling them something funny/silly about yourself to help calm their nerves. Try asking them some questions to make them more comfortable, for example about school, sports or siblings.